Why is LA Called LA? A Tale of Angels and Water
So, you're wondering why the City of Angels, that concrete jungle of dreams and disappointment, is actually called Los Angeles. Well, buckle up, because we're about to dive into a history lesson that's almost as glamorous as a Hollywood red carpet.
 |
| Why Los Angeles Is Called Los Angeles |
The Angels, the River, and a Whole Lotta Spanish
Let's start with the obvious: it's Spanish for "The Angels." But it's not just any old "Angels." It's "Our Lady, Queen of the Angels." Quite the title, huh? Now, you might be thinking, "Lady, Queen of the Angels? Did they have a really good PR team back then?" And the answer is... kinda.
Tip: Pause, then continue with fresh focus.
See, the folks who originally settled the area were Spanish explorers and missionaries. They were a pretty religious bunch, and they loved giving everything a super dramatic name. When they stumbled upon this place, they saw a river (now known as the Los Angeles River, surprise!) and decided it was so beautiful it must be a gift from the angels. Or, more accurately, from the Virgin Mary, who was often depicted surrounded by angels. So, they named the river "River of Our Lady, Queen of the Angels."
QuickTip: Reading carefully once is better than rushing twice.
Then, when they decided to set up shop there, they shortened it to "The Town of Our Lady, Queen of the Angels." And finally, because they were clearly too lazy to say that whole thing every time, it got shortened to "Los Angeles."
Tip: Don’t skim — absorb.
 |
A City of Angels? More Like a City of Traffic
Now, you might be looking around LA and wondering where all the angels are. Trust me, I've looked. I've even checked under the Hollywood sign. No wings in sight. But fear not, because there's a perfectly logical explanation for this.
QuickTip: Read a little, pause, then continue.
The angels probably got tired of all the traffic, smog, and Kardashians and decided to move to a quieter neighborhood. Maybe Palm Springs? Or maybe they just realized they could get better parking in heaven.
How to Sound Like a Local When Talking About LA
- How to pronounce Los Angeles: It's "Loss An-gel-ess," not "Loss An-gel-is." Trust me, you don't want to mess this up.
- How to order a proper LA coffee: "I'll have a latte with oat milk and two pumps of vanilla, please."
- How to survive LA traffic: Invest in a good audiobook, learn to meditate, or just accept your fate.
- How to dress like a local: Athleisure is king. Think leggings, oversized t-shirts, and sunglasses.
- How to find a good taco spot: Ask a local. Seriously, they'll know the best hidden gems.
So there you have it, the glamorous history of how LA got its name. It's a tale of angels, rivers, and a whole lot of abbreviation. Now go forth and enjoy the City of Angels, just remember to bring your sunglasses and patience.
 |
